Four possible sites have been selected for a new hospital and resource centre in Aviemore.

The proposed development would see a new hospital constructed with the closure of two small sites in Kingussie and Grantown on Spey. It would serve the town as well as the wider areas of Badenoch and Strathspey.

Initially, 10 sites had been put forward for the new facility. The shortlist is now Grainish Farm, Milton, Aviemore Technology Park and Pony Field.

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Nigel Small, Director of Operations for NHS Highland's South and Mid operational unit, said: "We had another very successful workshop last week. The well-attended event had 10 possible sites to consider and we came up with a shortlist of four.

"We used a well-established options appraisal process to consider all the sites and to agree criteria to assess the shortlist of sites.

"These sites will now go forward as part of the public consultation, and public preference will be one of the factors considered when choosing a site.

"A final event will take place after the consultation closes to make a recommendation on the sites.

"Identifying possible sites does not in any way prejudice the outcome of the consultation. But it does complete the final preparations which allow us to move to public consultation. We hope to be in a position to confirm the dates of the consultation period next week."

(JP/MH)